Getting diagnosed with lupus is scary and upsetting enough without the added stress of potential hair loss. The physical ramifications of what systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can do to the body internally are indeed very scary. But the emotional toll of looking in the mirror and seeing a dramatic change in our external appearance is just one more thing that can make living with lupus more difficult. So, can lupus cause hair loss? The simple answer is, unfortunately, yes. Because lupus causes widespread inflammation throughout the body, many times it can also involve your skin-which is the largest organ of the body. Inflammation of the skin can result in rashes or even hair loss occurring most often on the face and scalp. The medical term for hair loss is alopecia. It is usually described as hair noticeably thinning orHair loss problem with hairbrush falling out in clumps or in patches. Although a few people with lupus will lose clumps of hair, the disease can also cause gradual thinning of the hair on your scalp. It is also possible to notice loss of hair of the eyelashes, eyebrows, beard or body. There are two main types of alopecia: scarring and non-scarring. Scarring means that the hair follicles have been destroyed by inflammation (and thus there is no chance of hair re-growth). Discoid lupus is one major cause of scarring alopecia. However, if caught early enough (before scarring takes place), it is possible to see hair regrowth. Non-scarring means that the hair follicles are still present and hair regrowth is possible. Hair loss can be one of the first signs or symptoms of lupus. Approximately half of lupus patients will experience at least some form of lupus hair loss and alopecia. This often occurs at the beginning of the disease but can also appear along with certain medications and treatments that may be prescribed to manage more serious lupus symptoms. Back to top

My moisturiser , anti wrinkle cream and my re hydration tool! Not only does this magic oil help with any tummy problems (can’t poop, as its a natural laxative) but its so amazing for the biggest organ in your body – your skin! From sunburn to shaving rash this never lets me down. I use […]

Hello Lupies, We all know that with lupus comes lupus fatigue and insomnia. We all know that those two things in itself, apart from lupus, can be life altering and can alter you’re appearance as well. Sucks right? And don’t you all just hate when your body wants to sleep but your mind has the […]